Road safety issues.

Issued 14 April 2026

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Actioned 14 April 2026

Residential burglary.

Issued 14 April 2026

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Actioned 14 April 2026

Farm equipment thefts.

Issued 14 April 2026

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Actioned 14 April 2026

Fly tipping.

Issued 03 February 2026

We have been working closely with Ashford Borough Council to tackle fly‑tipping across the area. As part of this joint work, several days of action have taken place. Officers and council staff visited locations where fly‑tipping happens most often and spoke with people linked to these issues. During this activity, a number of vehicles were stopped and checks were carried out on documents and loads to make sure waste was being transported legally.

We have also been sharing information lawfully about scrap metal dealing in the local area. This helps us and our partners understand what is happening and take appropriate action.

As a result of this work, a business in Hothfield was found to be breaching the conditions of its scrap metal licence. Ashford Borough Council issued a closure order, which has helped stop illegal activity linked to waste and scrap metal.

We have also supported Kent County Council with enforcement work in the Furley area. An unlicensed scrap metal site was identified, which was affecting communities across the district. Kent County Council has since taken action, disrupting this illegal operation and reducing its impact on local residents.

Actioned 24 March 2026

Farm equipment thefts.

Issued 03 February 2026

We have joined Farm Watch so we can work more closely with farmers and people living in rural areas. This helps us spot crime trends early, particularly thefts involving farm equipment and machinery.

We have also carried out targeted intensification weeks in areas where there have been concerns about farm break‑ins. During these periods, officers spend extra time in hotspot locations, increase patrols, stop suspicious vehicles, and speak directly with farmers and local residents. This helps prevent crime, provide reassurance, and identify offenders.

Officers have also been patrolling key ‘red routes’. These are routes we believe are regularly used by offenders targeting rural communities.

In addition, a property‑marking event was held in Biddenden and advertised across the district. This gave farmers and landowners the opportunity to have their equipment and machinery marked, helping to deter theft and making stolen property easier to recover.

Actioned 24 March 2026

Road safety issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

Ashford Community Safety Unit officers have been working to improve road safety over the past few months. This work focuses on the driving behaviours that pose the greatest risk to people using our roads.

Officers have taken action against drivers who were uninsured, did not have a valid driving licence, or were using a mobile phone while driving. This enforcement helps reduce risk and keep everyone safer.

Recently, the local beat officer also joined Community Speedwatch volunteers on the A251 in Chilham. During a single session, five drivers were issued with speeding tickets. Working alongside volunteers helps identify unsafe driving and take appropriate action.

More road safety days of action are planned in the coming months to continue this work.

Actioned 24 March 2026